Paranoia: The Most Beloved Family in Crime Fiction (A Michael Bennett Thriller)

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 259 ratings

Price: 14.99

Last update: 02-11-2025


About this item

NYPD Detective Michael Bennett will stop at nothing to protect family: his wife, his kids—and his fellow officers—in the latest psychological thriller from bestselling author James Patterson.

At every death scene, Bennett says a prayer over the victim.  
But recently, too many of the departed have been fellow cops. 
“I want you to look at these deaths on special assignment,” NYPD Inspector Celeste Cantor says. “Report only to me.”
Bennett excels as a solo investigator. But he's chasing a killer who feeds on isolation... and paranoia.


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Top reviews from the United States

  • Vickie Watts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Watch Out for the Huge Twist in a Well-Written Psych Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
    This Michael Bennett thriller is quite a bit edgier than the previous books in the series because this one has so many layers, with more glimpses of what is happening in his family at home, more development of the Rob Trilling character and an overall suspense-filled wild ride. Bennett is dealing with Mary Catherine’s high risk pregnancy, Ricky’s desire to be on a cooking show for teens and multiple murders in and out of his jurisdiction, many of them retired policemen. He and Trilling, along with the help of computer guru Walter, are hot on the trail of a serial killer but never even consider that they may be targeted themselves. The red herrings as well as the clues are numerous and entertaining to figure out which is which. I really enjoyed the methodical approach that Bennett takes and the fact that in this book, he is in charge since Grissom is on vacation. This new position puts more pressure on Bennett to solve the crimes and made the pace even faster than usual. With the signature short chapters and non-stop action as well as familiar characters that were well-developed, this is a great addition to the series but may certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
    Disclaimer
    I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. (In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”)
  • Liz Bullard
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love the bad guy ????
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
    Is it bad that I was rooting for the killer? ????

    There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. Paranoia by James Patterson kicks off with a literal bang and holds you with intense and entertaining moments. Bennet’s kids kept me turning pages to find out what’s going to happen in their lives, and Rob Trilling is the perfect golden retriever BookTok boyfriend—he’s super sweet without trying, and I really hope things work out for him and his love life.

    Now onto the killer, whom I found myself smiling at and rejoicing when he had little wins. I love that while he is truly bad, he has a little moral code that makes you root for him, in my opinion. For those reading the series out of order—like me—you can still follow along and keep up with the characters and plot.
  • April
    4.0 out of 5 stars So good!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
    I love the Michael Bennett series and eagerly away each installment.

    Paranoia was a quite a story. Cops are being killed and the common thread seems to be a task force the victims all served on? Who wants them dead though and who is the killer?

    The killer is quite an interesting character and watching this story unfold was quite the read. I did figure out who was behind it all, but it didn’t take away from the suspense. I really enjoy watching the takedown unfold in each novel.

    Add in the Bennett family in the background and this was another great installment in the series.

    Thank you to Little Brown did the copy of this book. All views are my own.
  • DoorCounty
    3.0 out of 5 stars Big mistake?
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
    Spoilers!!!

    Perhaps I missed something somewhere and someone can explain. While the writing and the overall story were good (which is saying something considering some if his more recent writing), the story never explains why in the world the chief villain set Michael Bennett after her in the first place. A hospital bedside interview was needed at the end.

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